Remote work has been on the rise for several years, with more and more companies offering flexible work arrangements to their employees. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, forcing many companies to adopt remote work policies to keep their employees safe. As a result, remote work has become the new normal, and it looks like it’s here to stay.
To gain some insights into the future of remote work, we spoke to industry experts from different fields. Here’s what they had to say.
Remote work will become more common
According to a report by Global Workplace Analytics, remote work has grown by 173% since 2005. However, this growth is expected to accelerate in the coming years. “Remote work is not a trend; it’s a paradigm shift,” says Darren Murph, Head of Remote at GitLab. “It’s not going away; it’s only going to become more common.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that remote work is not only possible but also beneficial for both employees and employers. “The pandemic has forced companies to rethink their approach to work and embrace remote work,” says Brian de Haaff, CEO of Aha!. “As a result, we’ll see more companies adopt remote work policies even after the pandemic is over.”
Remote work will become more inclusive
One of the benefits of remote work is that it allows companies to hire talent from anywhere in the world. This means that companies can tap into a global talent pool and hire the best candidates for the job, regardless of their location.
“Remote work will make the workforce more inclusive and diverse,” says Darren Murph. “Companies will be able to hire talent from different parts of the world, which will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table.”
However, remote work also poses some challenges when it comes to diversity and inclusion. “Remote work can be isolating, and it can be challenging to build a sense of community and belonging among remote workers,” says Brian de Haaff. “Companies will need to be intentional about creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging for remote workers.”
Remote work will require new skills
Remote work requires a different set of skills than traditional office work. “Remote work requires self-discipline, time management, and communication skills,” says Darren Murph. “Remote workers need to be able to manage their time effectively, communicate clearly, and collaborate with their team members.”
However, remote work also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. “Remote work requires you to be self-motivated and proactive,” says Brian de Haaff. “You need to be able to manage your own schedule and take ownership of your work. This can be challenging, but it also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth.”
Remote work will change the way we work
Remote work will not only change where we work but also how we work. “Remote work requires a different approach to work,” says Darren Murph. “It requires a focus on outcomes rather than inputs. Remote workers need to be able to deliver results, regardless of where they are or what time it is.”
This shift towards outcome-based work will require companies to rethink their approach to performance management. “Performance management will become more results-oriented,” says Brian de Haaff. “Companies will need to focus on outcomes rather than inputs and provide their employees with the tools and resources they need to deliver results.”
Remote work will require new technologies
Remote work requires new technologies to support communication, collaboration, and productivity. “Remote work requires a different set of tools than traditional office work,” says Darren Murph. “Remote workers need tools that enable them to communicate effectively, collaborate with their team members, and manage their work.”
However, remote work also poses some challenges when it comes to technology. “Remote work requires a reliable internet connection, which can be a challenge in some parts of the world,” says Brian de Haaff. “Companies will need to provide their remote workers with the tools and resources they need to work effectively, regardless of their location.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, remote work is here to stay, and it’s only going to become more common in the coming years. However, remote work also poses some challenges when it comes to diversity and inclusion, skills, performance management, and technology. To succeed in the remote work era, companies will need to be intentional about creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging, providing their employees with the tools and resources they need to work effectively, and focusing on outcomes rather than inputs.
Remote work offers many benefits for both employees and employers, including increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and access to a global talent pool. However, remote work also requires a different set of skills, a different approach to work, and new technologies to support communication, collaboration, and productivity. Companies that embrace remote work and adapt to these changes will be well-positioned for success in the future.